Reign or Shine: The Forged Flower Saga Book 1

by Coriana Hope

Unruly Princess Chrisithia (who goes by Chris), daughter of Queen SnowWhite, longs for friendship and adventure. What she gets is a bunch of fluffy pink dresses and a lonely existence in an isolated castle. She wants more for her life than to be an ornament, but since the only thing expected of her is to marry as soon as she is old enough, she isn’t sure what she is capable of. That all changes when she meets a prince at a party and . . . falls in love? Nope. Learns sword fighting from him. After she and her new friend Kedrik have a fateful encounter with the Intriguer—a mysterious magical entity intent on abducting royals—Chris realizes she must become far stronger if she is to defend herself and others. But there’s a chance that no amount of training will prepare her to face her enemy . . . A hero, Chris learns, isn’t necessarily someone who is destined to be great, but the person who steps up when no one else will.

Genres: Fantasy

348 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Shelby Cundiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say that self publishing a book is pretty cool! I didn’t love this book, but it had a lot of good potential. I found there to be a bit much going on in terms of fantasy tropes (wolves, fairies, royalty, half swan humans, talking animals, talking mirrors, talking trees, phoenixes, etc) which I think distracted a little bit from the overall storyline. I would’ve probably preferred a little bit simpler level of world building with more world description which seems to be this authors strong suit!

Additionally, I found some of the features of this world to be hard to combine. I know books (especially fantasy) can contain anything one can imagine, but I found it a little odd to combine tropical environments with surfing and snowy woods with wolves together in the same characters journey.

[Rae, shutupandbookup · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars!

"Once upon a time. . . That's how my story was supposed to start." - Chris

Being a princess is not all it is cracked up to be! Being SnowWhite's daughter isn't all it's cracked up to be either! Chris wants nothing to do with big royal balls, over the top poofy dresses that are pink, and being the damsel in distress. After a chance encounter with a new friend, Chris begins to learn new things other than boring, meaningless "princess" tasks.

But when a new entity arises and terrorizes the forest Chris's world gets realigned. She knows she has to stop this magical entity from harming the people and things she loves. Can a rebellious, teenage princess really stop this evil? Will she ever be strong enough to accomplish this challenge? And did anyone else see a pair of glowing yellow eyes from the tree line?

"Naming a foe is the first step to defeating it. If something has a name it is real. And everything real is beatable." - Grandmother Rose

Chrisithia's by far not your "typical" fairytale princess to be. I loved her from the first page forward and her rebelliousness made me think of myself. Not wanting to fit into this "perfect" and "pristine" mold that everyone declared you should be in. Girls being dainty and going for that whole damsel-in-distress trope. Chris refuses to be a part of that cliche and instead would rather race her horse.

I enjoyed watching Chris grow and direct her energy toward things that truly mattered. Figuring out who she truly is and what she stands for. Peer pressure can be difficult and wanting to fit in is a never-ending cycle of doom. I was cheering multiple times for Chris and also shaking my head at other moments. Seeing the pitfalls of life and what you easily fall into.

Chris is going to grow into a very independent woman! Being blunt and not afraid to speak her mind, she has no filter. I truly loved this spitfire of a princess with a heart of gold when you get to truly know her. She's also extremely loyal and protective of her friends!

Kedrik and Fyre were two of my favorite characters! Kedrik's banter with Chris was everything especially when the two first met! I liked how Kedrik was this calm to Chris' chaos along with Fyre's protectiveness and sarcasm. There was a moment with one of them that I was like oh no!

Loved the world building in the book and descriptions. I will say some of the paragraphs were a little long, but this is the first book in the saga. The author's simply trying to set the stage and flesh out the world we are being placed into. With all the interesting magic, different types of creatures, and the royals' monarchy. I loved the twists in the book and a particular arc alongside the main one that involved tracking.

This book felt like a YA read. The main characters range from twelve years old to almost sixteen, aside from the adult characters. I didn't find any language and if there was any the only thing I saw was "dang". There are signs of puppy love/first love possibly blooming but nothing more. There's some violence and threats of harm along with some slight gore scenes. Mention of loss from deaths and grief from said events.

I really loved the ending, and I thought the author did a great job with the cliffhanger. I am eager to read the next installment in the saga and find out what Chris' next steps are! One of my ultimate favorite characters from the book says something to Chris and I really hope to see him throughout the rest of the series!

Enjoy the read with a princess who's breaking the mold and pursing her own happily ever after. Don't forget to give the author some stars!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

shutupandbookup.blogspot.com

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and hate this book. I had a very hard time putting it down, and the character development may have started slow, but it definitely sped up and improved by the middle.

The protagonist frustrated me, especially at the beginning, with her lack of growth. It could be she was acting a lot like a teenager, because she was a teenager. If that is the case, it was very well written. She went through quite a bit of trauma and identity issues before the end, and it turned her into someone to fear.

The main antagonist is frustrating in their mysteriousness and the inability to be pinned down or fought in any direct way. They were also very well written, as it brings out emotions instead of relying on a basic trope for a princess book.

The love interest(s?) were slightly confusing, and I am not sure which direction the princess will go, which in my opinion makes it more interesting.

My favorite "villain" is not the main antagonist. I was more frightened by the descriptions of the chase scenes by the alpha. They still haunt me.

There is some mental abuse, blood and gore, illness, death, and bullying throughout the book. Some of the gore had me horrified, and one scene had me nauseous, but overall it was not enough to deter me from the story. Some may find the abuse and bullying too close for comfort, as it is written well without going too far.

I love this book because the story had me mesmerized, the characters (especially villains) were well written and developed decently, and the entire book made me feel everything along with the characters.

I hate this book because it ends in an unbelievable cliffhanger. I was so distraught, and cannot wait until the next one comes out.

There are some spelling and grammar mistakes. Nothing too bad, and nothing that changes the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forged Flower Saga: Reign or Shine, by Coriana Hope
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On my main account, I won a giveaway ran by @corianahope, winning me Books One and Two of The Forged Flower Saga! Here's my review of Book One!
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Here's one thing about me, I LOVE works based on fairytales, so I was stoked to win this giveaway! And when I read this book, I fell in love!
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(This review contains light to medium spoilers)
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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
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Likes:
•I love the world-building. Learning about the other kingdoms and fantasy races was a delight!
•Chris and Kedrik's friendship was a breath of fresh air. They weren't forced together, allowing for their relationship to naturally progress.
•Speaking of friendships, Chris's friendships/relationships with the other characters were always interesting to read about! They all progressed at different paces, with the occasional bumps.
•I wasn't expecting Chris's "bully" arc at all! It really shows the consequences of leaning towards either extreme, which are utter rebellion and staunch compliance. It's satisfying to watch Chris emerge from the ordeal as a better person!
Dislikes:
•Although she gets better as the book gets on, Chris starts off as your typical rebellious royal. I was worried that she'll be another one of those "Not Like Other Girls" characters. However, this worry was unfounded as Chris developed as a character.
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I'm looking forward to reading more installments to this series. I want to learn more about this series's setting!

[Piros OlaSz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow this book….
I had my ups and downs but overall finished and satisfied.
Firstly (being raised on SnowWhite, Cinderella, Aurora etc. stories) I had difficulties to see SnowWhite as a not caring parent. Overall I didn’t think that the main character wasn’t a selfish princess thinking her private needs are above the country / her nations need. So for me she was rather a rebel just for the sake of rebellion and I didn’t liked her from square one. If she didn’t meet Kendrik early and had some SO GREAT adventures I might have abandoned the book. But then they were in trouble and they were trouble so I kept going and was soooo good. Then she ended up in the school and honestly I did abandon after her change there for a week or two as her actions rather made me hate her more…. BUT between two books I thought why not continue and I’m so glad I did…. SO DO NOT STOP THERE and continue… It’s gonna be amazing! Anyway I loved the world built, loved most of the characters and the adventures are amazing… and she did a lot of personal improvement! And again, the story made me hate, love, bite my nails, rooting for someone, rooting against someone… and some tears. So it was a good experience overall. I’m definitely interested in the other books of the saga….

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Chrisithia, daughter of Queen Snow White, longs for friendship and adventure. What she gets is a lonely existence in an isolated castle. She wants more for her life than to be an ornament, but since the only thing expected of her is to marry as soon as she is old enough, she isn’t sure what she is capable of, but that changes when she meets a prince at a party and . . . learns sword fighting from him. After she and her new friend Kedrik have a fateful encounter with the Intriguer—a mysterious magical entity intent on abducting royals—Chris realizes she must become far stronger if she is to defend herself and others. But there’s a chance that no amount of training will prepare her to face her enemy . . .
This book offers great world building and plenty of details on the characters although it could be said that it had a little too much. I think the character building of the main character is what made me like her and to a point kind of understand her. I enjoy books like this where we see what fairytale princesses are like as parents and in this case, we see Snow White as a mom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Metler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free eARC so I could read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to do so, and to share my thoughts.

We all know fairy tales, but what happens afterwards? In this, the rebellious daughter of Snow White has to both try to find her place in the world… and save it.

This is an enjoyable book which is likely to be enjoyed by fans of Mercedes Lackey's Thousand Kingdoms series. It might be enjoyed by fans of Descendants as well, although it is at a higher reading level. The relationships between the characters are authentic.

My one major complaint is that about 3/4 of this book just establishes the characters and situations, and builds the world. While this is a good set up for the series, it kind of leaves the reader feeling unfinished. I would have liked tne book to come to some sort of stopping point in the story arc. As it stands, it feels less like the first in a series and more like part of a book.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

What a creative idea! I love fairy tale retellings but this is the first one I’ve seen that continues the story beyond the happy ever after AND focused on the original heroine’s daughter!

Speaking of which…I really like our MC. She has a sense of duty to her and the need to meet the impossible image her parents have which makes perfect sense. But she has her own type of strengths and she incorporates them well even if she doesn’t always see it.

I can’t say the ending felt entirely wrapped up nor necessarily well paced but it’s sufficient. I hope with future books, this will make more sense.

Certainly a fun read well worth your time.

[Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, was I ever proven wrong! If I’m being honest, I went into this book with a negative mindset. I mean the daughter of Snow White that rebels against her life and gets sent off to finishing school sounds a little bleh. I was also a little put off in the beginning with Chris’s negative, spoiled, whiny, and stereotypical mindset. But it was masterfully setting up a beautiful character evolution that tied into a suspenseful plot that left me on the edge of my seat. I’m seriously sitting here pouting that the book is over and dying for the next! Give me more and give it to me now!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Chrisithia, Chris, meets Prince Kedrik when she escapes a party where she punched his sister. They create a friendship even when she is banished to the University for Princesses. They had discovered dangerous magic that destroys things and it follows Chris to school. Chris struggles adjusting to be a proper princess and finds herself learning who she is and how to make friends. Adventure continues to follow her and magic is there for her to use as she tries to understand who the Intriguer is and what he wants. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarita Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign or Shine is one if the most unique fairytale adaptations I have ever had the joy to pick up. The gentle faith of the characters and biblical references are inspiring. The author calmly presents modern day situations in a way that shows true heart. The characters are presented in a way that young readers will relate to their fears and choices.

I would recommend this story to anyone over the age of twelve. I say this because some of the themes are violent and more emotionally expressed for teenagers. I feel that younger readers would have more questions.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign or Shine is Book 1 in The Forged Flower Saga by Coriana Hope. SnowWhite and her Prince married and had a child, Chrisithis (Chris). But, what happens next in the fairytale is an interesting story. Princess Chris is not the typical Royal Princess, she is strong, smart, and definitely walks to her own drum. I found this story to be exciting and Coriana Hope took me on a fantastic journey through the story. I enjoyed the book and can't wait to read Book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great job in beginning of the Forged Flower Saga series, I loved getting to know this warrior princess. It does what I was hoping for in a fantasy and fairy tale story. It does everything that was promised and I'm so glad I was able to go on this journey. I can't wait to read more in this series and from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah Strouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting into the book was difficult, but there was more of a rhythm as it continued! Some of the names were really awkward to say both internally and out loud and there were some names that made it obvious it was for middle grade readers (the school name specifically) but the story itself was good! It was a lot in the beginning to listen to the main character complain incessantly but more action and intention in the end was wonderful.

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a minute to get into this story, but once I did I couldn't put it down! This is a great fairytale rewrite about SnowWhite's teenage daughter, and the world the author creates is full of magic and intrigue. I really enjoyed the snark and wit, all the sarcastic humor. Can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a take on Snow White but instead of reimagining Snow White it picks up from their happily ever after. Snow White and her Prince married and had a child, Chrisithis. Princess Chris is not the typical Royal Princess, she is strong, smart, and definitely has her own imagination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cody Ray Hawes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! Come on! Such a freaking page turner! If it weren’t for my nephew I would have finished it in a few hrs! I can’t wait for the next book! Cliffhanger at the end is killing me. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about the rebellious daughter of Snow White.
Enjoyable read and a very unique fairytale adaptation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephen Schaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Adventure tale. Funny, satirical, sad, and snarky. A bit of a mystery too. Looking forward to the second book. A great debut album for the author.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This held my interest from page one, and I very much enjoyed the writing style! I can’t wait to see what book two has in store.

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating retelling of Snow White. This story centers around her daughter, Chrisithia. Chris, the name she prefers, longs for a life of adventure and refuses to follow the path that she was born to follow. An impressive retelling about a princess who wants to live her life on her terms.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. Really enjoyed the book. Loved all the fairytale princesses. Chrisithia was a very determined princess and wouldn't let nothing stand in her way. Very intense and adventurous. Chris and Kedrik felt like outcast from their families. Lots of mystery about the intriguer and who and what it is and why people are disappearing. Would recommend this book because of all the mystery and adventures that takes place.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.